Stories from the Harlem Renaissance

A vibrant collection of stories from Zora Neale Hurston—featuring eight long-lost Harlem Renaissance pieces made available to the public for the first time. These works reveal the breadth of her talent and reaffirm her place as one of America’s most influential literary voices.

Celebrated as “one of the greatest writers of our time” by Toni Morrison, Hurston—author of Barracoon and Their Eyes Were Watching God—crafted stories that pulse with humor, heartbreak, and the rich traditions of African American folklore.

Recognized across major media outlets, this collection has been named a most anticipated book by the New York Times, BuzzFeed, Newsweek, Forbes, E!, Glamour, and Essence.

In 1925, while studying at Barnard as its only Black student, Hurston began writing short fiction that captured the evolving spirit of African American life in New York. These early works helped establish her as a defining figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Nearly a century later, her legacy continues to shine as one of the modern era’s most important American writers.

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick gathers stories exploring love, migration, gender, class, racism, and the rhythms of everyday life. The volume brings together twenty-one tales—including eight rediscovered Harlem pieces recovered from forgotten magazines and archives. These stories broaden our understanding of Hurston’s skill beyond the rural settings she is often associated with, revealing sharp satire, emotional depth, and culturally resonant insight.

This timeless collection enriches the appreciation of Hurston’s singular voice and her enduring contributions to American literature.

Praise for Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick

“These narratives comprise a rich tapestry of Hurston’s matchless vision and talent.” — BookPage

“All of these 21 stories are enlivened by the author’s wickedly funny, sprightly dialogue.” — Colin Grant, The Guardian

“Fans and scholars of Hurston’s work and the uninitiated alike will find many delights… a significant testament to the enduring resonance of Black women’s writing.” — Washington Post

“With biting wit, Hurston gets to the heart of the human condition… her rediscovered stories will electrify.” — Booklist, starred review

“An illuminating and delightful study of a canonical writer finding her rhythm.” — Publishers Weekly

“A reminder of why literature is so important… These short stories capture the essence of African American life at the time.” — Cultured Vultures

“Decades on, this new collection is a powerful reminder of her lasting resonance.” — Time magazine

“Read, and you’ll almost wish you were slumped on a wooden chair on Jim’s porch on a hot summer day… Hurston’s wit shines between biting narrations and comments.” — Miami Times

“A powerful addition to Hurston’s oeuvre… Any new work from her deserves open-armed celebration.” — New York Times Book Review